Newbie question: Katz or Hines?

RE: Newbie question: Katz or Hines?

gigi — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 01:02:59 GMT

I can't address the Hines part of the question, but I did use the Katz book when I was just getting back into swimming and I really loved it. She gave good advice, and I really liked the workouts. I also recommend Total Swimming by Janet Evans. She gives good stroke advice and has a really comprehensive set of workouts in the book as well. I'm self-coached now, but I was a competetive swimmer in my youth and in college - so I wasn't starting from ground zero with these books. If you can, definitely get a little bit of advice from someone (clinic, private session or two with an instructor or competitive swimmer looking to make a few bucks) the books will work even better for you good luck!

RE: Newbie question: Katz or Hines?

Former Member — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 10:19:57 GMT

Karlyn Pipes-Neilsen, former World Masters Swimmer of the Year, is holding swimming clinics in Tulsa next week on Jan 27 and 28. I attended one of her clinics in OKC in December. It was one of the single best swim training sessions that I have attended. Details on her website: http://www.aquaticedge.org/ Good luck, RadSwim

RE: Newbie question: Katz or Hines?

Former Member — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 08:44:41 GMT

Hi Sarah, Coached workouts or a private lesson with a knowledgable coach would let you know what you need to work on most, which would likely tip towards one book or the other. Don't be intimated by a masters group - there will be a lane with folks your speed and being coached will help quite a bit. If it's a longish drive, you could try to swim with the team a couple of days and a few days on your own. Be patient with yourself as your learn this new sport. Where in Oklahoma are you located? I was born in Stillwater, and still have family there. --mj I've just about decided to call up the rec center and see if any of their teachers do private coaching. I also think I may give the group a try in a few weeks--the drive isn't that bad. I also am going to try Fitness Swimming during my next workout and see how it works for me. (don't I recall hearing here that Total Immersion was a bad book? maybe I'm thinking of another one.) And I live in Tulsa but was born & raised in the OKC metro and went to college in Norman, but I can be friends with anyone. *wink* Sarah

RE: Newbie question: Katz or Hines?

Former Member — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 08:19:30 GMT

My advice is to put away the snorkel and all other toys. Get the Total Immersion book and practice the drills in there. Don't worry about not being able to flutter kick 200 yards. Body position and balance while actually swimming are more important when you're starting out.

RE: Newbie question: Katz or Hines?

Former Member — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 07:53:57 GMT

Proper head position is very important. That's probably why Coach Hines is advocating the snorkel. Too many swimmers, both new and old, raise their heads to breathe. Not good. If your head stays down, the hips will ride much higher in the water. Instant drag reduction. And that's what you want.

RE: Newbie question: Katz or Hines?

RogerRamjet — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 04:25:44 GMT

Sarah, I am new to this forum but have coached adult new swimmers and triathletes for years. Many of them do not feel "ready" for Master's swimming. One thing I tell them to do is have the life guard of the pool (or someone else standing around) video your stroke on a digital camera and then watch it yourself. I use a cheapy digital camera in the video mode. There is nothing like seeing what you are doing from the camera lens.

RE: Newbie question: Katz or Hines?

swimmj — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 04:12:03 GMT

I've just about decided to call up the rec center and see if any of their teachers do private coaching. I also think I may give the group a try in a few weeks--the drive isn't that bad. I also am going to try Fitness Swimming during my next workout and see how it works for me. (don't I recall hearing here that Total Immersion was a bad book? maybe I'm thinking of another one.) And I live in Tulsa but was born & raised in the OKC metro and went to college in Norman, but I can be friends with anyone. *wink* Sarah LOL! My folks met as students as OSU, although my dad was raised in Cleveland, which is closer to Tulsa. I have uncles and cousins who went to OU, so I tend to root for which ever team is playing and a good game when they play each other. I was raised in Southern California and am now retired in Oregon. I am related to the man who homesteaded the land and then donated it to the school that would become OSU as well as pistol Pete. Both sides of the family were in OK prior to statehood. Keep us posted on your progress - if you stick with it, you will find you improve your fitness quickly and that joining a masters team is really fun. --mj

RE: Newbie question: Katz or Hines?

swimmj — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 03:06:30 GMT